Electric relay



March 1, 1960 o. R. NEMETH 2,927,177

ELECTRIC RELAY Filed Jan. 21, 1958 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR.

OTTO R. NEMET'H BY 'llwawua) AmR VEYS 0. R. NEMETH ELECTRIC RELAY March 1, 1960 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Jan. 21, 1958 INVENTOR. one a. NEMETH Y Z i'azm @Q m ADDRNEKS ELECTRIC RELAY Otto R. Nemeth, Los Angeles, Calif. Application January 21, 1958, Serial No. 710,211

19 Claims. c1. zoo-s7 This invention generally relates to an electric relay and more particularly to an electric relay designed particularly for incorporation in airborne structures such as missiles and aircraft, although it will be appreciated that the relay has diverse applications inview of its novel construction and performance.

Components employed in airborne structures necessarily must meet very rigid environmental specifications and additionally must be susceptible of reliableperformance over an extended period of time. Furthermore, such components usually are required to be of minimum dimensions with a minimum number of wearing parts and a low overall weight.

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide an electric relay which will perform satisfactorily under high temperature applications.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an electric relay which has a balanced construction such that it is stable regardless of unusually high acceleration loads which may be imposed upon it or its component parts.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an electric relay which does not revuire the use of screws, bolts, nuts, or other elements which may loosen when subjected to unusual or repetitive vibrational forces.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an electric relay which is constructed so that it may be produced on a production line, automatic assembly basis without the need of skilled workers or expensive tooling.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an electric relay which employs a minimum number of parts, which is constructed for reliable performance regardless of the environmental conditions imposed upon it, and which has appreciably no wearing parts.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide an electric relay which may be adapted for varying circuit arrangements without any appreciable overall design changes.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention are generally attained by providing an electric relay which comprises an armature or movable means, the movable means including magnetic material and elec- United States Patent O7 2,927,177 e Patented 'Mar- .196

2 prises an elongated magnetic core to which are connected on either side thereof spring-like conducting members, the latter being adapted to contact the first conductive stop means in the firstrposition and the second conductive stop means in the second position.

Also in a preferred construction, the electric relay includes a stack of movable means or members appropriately spaced between insulating members. Furthermore, a plurality of permanent magnet means, which may be integrally or separately formed are employed in conjunction with the electromagnetic means so that various circuits may be established.

.A better understanding of the present invention will be had by reference to the drawings, showing only certain illustrative embodiments, and in which: a

Figure l is a sectional view of one embodiment of the electric relay according to the present invention;

Figure 2 is a sectional view taken in the direction of the arrows 2-2 of the relay shown in Figure 1, Figure 2 being of enlarged dimensions for descriptive purposes;

Figure .3 is an enlarged perspective view of one of the conductive terminals shown in Figure 2; s

Figure 4 is a partial view of a modified form of the relay construction shown in Figure l; and,

Figure 5 is 'a top elevational view of another embodiment of an electric relay according to the present invention.

Referring now to the drawings, there is shown in Figure 1 an electric relay according to the present invention including a casing or housing 10, which preferably is of cylindrical shape. The casing has a recessed upper portion 11 designed to accommodate an upper closure or metallic seal 12. The casing 10 also includes an inwardly projecting flange 13 at its lower end adapted to receive a metal header 14, which may be provided with glass beads so as to hermetically seal the entire unit, the leads (not shown), and the schematically indicated coil wires x and y, for example, extending therefrom.

Disposed within the casing 10 is an electromagnetic core, generally designated by the numeral 15, which includes a base portion 16, and upright leg members 17 and 18. The leg member or pole 17 has a coil 19 encircling it, and the leg member 18 has a coil 20 entrically conductive material. Permanent magnet means with a given attractive force are positioned such that the movable means are biased towards the permanent magnet means. First conductive stop means are located so as to limit movement of the movable means towards the permanent magnet means, whereby the first conductive means establishes a first position of the movable means.

Electromagnetic means are provided and are arranged so as to exert when energized an opposing force of greater magnitude than the given force upon the movable means. In addition, second conductive stop means are located so as to limit movement of the movable means towards the electromagnetic means, whereby the second 1 conductive stop means establishes a second position of the movable means.

Ina preferred vconstruction, the movable means some circling it, the coils 19 and 20 being positioned adjacent the base portion 16 of the electromagnetic core 15. Desirably, the core and more particularly the base portion 16 thereof is imbedded in an insulating disc 21 or the like for mounting immediately above the header 1.4.

A permanent magnet means, indicated by the numeral 2.2, is also disposed within the casing 10 and includes an upper base portion 23. Extending downwardly from the base portion 23 and formed integrally therewith are pole pieces or legs 24 and 25, which respectively define north and south poles for the permanent shown in the view of Figure 2. a

The switching assembly of the relay is disposed vertically between the coils 19, and the base portion 23 of the permanent magnet 22. The relay assembly may be interposed, for example, between a lower spacer mem ber 26 and an upper spacer member 27.

Preferably, the relay assembly comprises a stack or array of wafer-like units positioned one above the other in sufiicient number to meet the requirements of the electrical system. In the embodiment of Figure 1, four such units are shown for application as a four-pole, twothrow relay, for example. Since each of the relay wafers is identical, description of one will suffice for all.

Each wafer assembly comprises an insulating disc28, which includes an inner annular wall 29, which is more defines an outer terminal flange 30' and an inner circular magnet 22, as

surface 31 defining the area in which contact switching after be described.

As may be seen from the view of Figure 2, the permanent magnet leg or pole is provided with an inner insulating coating 33, and radially outward thereof, a conductive surface or member 34 having an end portion defining a terminal 35. The member 34 need not extend about the entire periphery of the magnetic leg 25 but may, for example, be sprung into position and be of the arcuate configuration shown. Magnetic leg 24 is provided with a similar insulating and conductive member as described in conjunction with leg 25. Similarly, the electromagnetic pole 18 includes an insulating coating 36 and a conductive member 37 encircling it, the latter conductive member 37 having one end portion defining a terminal 38. The terminal 38 is similar to the terminal 7 of the permanent magnet leg 25 heretofore described.

The terminals 35 and 38 extend through slots 39 and 40 provided in the wall 29 for this purpose.

A better understanding of the terminal connections ma be had by reference to Figure 3 illustrating a perspective view of the leg 18, encircling insulating coating 36 and conductive member 37. It will be seen in this view that the conductive member 37 has a fiat terminal 38, previously described, which extends through the slot 40 to connect with a wire conductor 41, as at 42.

As previously mentioned, a plurality of the wafers 28 are stacked vertically together, as shown in Figure 1 and thereafter an additional cover member 43 may be mounted thereon before the relay switching assembly is closed off with the upper spacer 27. In consequence, according to the number of wafers used, the relay will operate any given number of circuits with the wires (41, for example) being brought in through glass beads in the bottom header 14. Of course, the particular insulating means employed may be varied according to the particular form of housing used.

The movable means for accomplishing the switching action is more clearly seen by reference again to Figure 2. The movable means is disposed between a pair of center guide posts 44 and 45 extending axially throughout the stack of wafers and comprises generally a movable member 46. The latter member 46 consists of an elongated substantially straight line magnetic armature 47,

which has disposed on either side thereof and substan- I tially coextensive therewith, an elongated spring conducting member 48 and an elongated spring conducting member 49. The central portions of the spring conducting members 48 and 49 are attached to the rod 47 centrally of the latter as with rivets 50. The spring members 48 g and 49 are bowed so as slightly to deviate from strictly straight line extension and so as to diverge from the rod 47 as they approach the end portions thereof in order that these spring conducting members may provide a wiping action as they engage the conducting means of the relay.

Thus, in the view of Figure 2, the movable means 46 is in its first or normal position in which the spring member 49 is pressed against the conductor member 34 of the magnetic leg 25. Similarly, the spring conductor 48 is pressed in wiping action against the conductive member surrounding permanent magnet leg 24.

In operation, upon energization of leads x and y for 00118 19 and 20, respectively, electromagnetic poles 17 and 18 will be energized so as to urge the movable means 46 to the dotted line position shown. Of course, in order to effect movement of the movable means 46, the permanent magnet must be weaker than the magnetic force created by the electromagnetic means. Assuming this condition, however, the movable means 46 will immediately assume the alternate position as indicated y the dotted lines in Figure 2.

Since the movable means 46 is either in contact with the conductive means surrounding the permanent magnet poles 24 and 25 or in contact with the electromagnetic poles, it will be appreciated that the movable means 46 need not be constrained other than between adjacent wafers 28. By virtue of the balanced magnetic conditions described, the movable means 46 will be inherently pivoted above its center, without the necessity for mechanical, frictional engagement of any pivots. The primary purpose in providing the center guide posts 44 and 45 is to provide a balanced construction in the event unusually high G forces are encountered whereby the movable means 46 will be restrained in the particular contact position it is then disposed in, and not primarily to pivot the same. As a matter of fact, in the illustrated solid line position, the movable means 46 engages solely the guide post 45, and in the illustrated alternate dotted line position, solely the guide post 44. Thus the movable means 46 is mechanically essentially free to move translationally and rotationally on the upper surface of the insulating disc 28. Further, the magnetic rod 47 is shown to be slightly shorter than the diameter of the inner annular wall 29, so as at least barely to clear the same in avoidance of frictional engagement. The provision for the length of the armature 46 to be substantially the same as the diameter of the wall 29, is again principally for restraint under conditions of unusually high G forces, and as a guide for insertion, and not for frictional bearing.

It will, of course, be appreciated that instead of employing spring-like conductors 48 and 49 with the movable means 46, spring conductors could be employed encircling the particular magnetic and electromagnetic poles whereby the necessary fiexibility for the desired wiping action in making or breaking contact could thus be obtained. However, the construction shown isv preferred.

In the view of Figure 4, a partial sectional view has been shown of a modified form of the relay illustrated in Figure 1. In the view of Figure 4, the wafer 51 includes a side wall 52, an outer flange 53, and an inner circular surface 54 on which the movable means (not shown) are disposed. Similarly, in this modified form, electromagnetic pole 55 extends through the wafer 51 and is provided with an inner insulating coating 56 and an outer conductive coating 57. The other electromagnetic leg 58 similarly has an insulating coating 59 and conductive coating 60. The primary difference in construction of the modified form would relate to the permanent magnet means used. Thus, instead of employing a single permanent magnet, as indicated by the numeral 22 in Figure 1, individual permanent magnets 61 are disposed in each wafer assembly. Thus, the magnet 61 is retained in a recess 62 of the adjacent wafer 63 and a recess 64 of the wafer 51 as indicated.

The advantage of using a plurality of individual permanent magnets instead of a single unit for the entire stack of relay assemblies relates to holding a more uniform flux density and corresponding magnetic force than is possible with the construction in Figure 1. Thus, in Figure l the magnetic flux decreases slightly according to the distance from the base portion 23 of the permanent magnet 22. The construction of Figure 4 eliminates this disadvantage.

Figure 5 illustrates another modified form or embodiment of the present invention wherein insulative coatings are not required about the pole pieces of the permanent magnet means or electromagnetic means employed. Thus, in Figure 5 there is shown a top elevational view of a single wafer unit 65, which may include a side wall 66. The electromagnetic poles or legs are indicated by the numerals 67 and 68. A diiferent form of permanent magnet means is used in this embodiment. It will be seen that the U-shaped permanent magnet 69 includes pole pieces or legs 70 and 71 disposed so as to attract the movable means used. Similarly, another U-shaped permanent magnet 72 includes pole pieces or legs 73 and 74 functioning for the same purpose.

The movable means is comprised of a central elongated magnetic armature 75 which has disposed on either side of it spring conducting members 76 and 77 in a construction similar to that shown in Figure 2. Similarly, central guide posts 78 and 79 are used;

Instead of having the conductive means immediately adjacent the electromagnetic and permanent magnetic means employed, in this embodiment the conductive means are located in positions radially outward from the I permanent magnet and the electromagnetic means. Thus, there are shown spaced contacts:80 and 81 and another pair of diametrically opposed contacts 82 and 83. I

In 'the position shown, the armature core 75 is attracted towards the permanent magnet members 69 and 72 such that the spring conducting member 77 engages the contact 81-and the spring conducting member76 engages the contact 82; Upon energization of the electromagnetic means, the poles 67 and 68 will tend to draw the movable member towards the contacts 80 and 83.

Another advantage of the construction shown in Figure is the fact that balanced electromagnetic force is attained in view of the particular magnet structures used. Thus, for example, if the electromagnetic pole 68 is energized so that it functions as a north pole, it will be exerting a certain repelling force as against the leg 71 of the permanent magnet 69. On the other hand, in this instance, the pole 67 would be functioning as a south pole and would be exerting a certain attractive force on the pole 74 of the permanent magnet 72. On the other hand, "if the pole 68 is energized so as to be a south pole, it will exert a certain attractive force on the north pole 71 of magnet 69, while the leg 67 as a north pole will be exerting a certain repelling force on the pole 74 of the magnet 72. Thus, a balanced electromagnetic construction is achieved, which is not completely feasible with the other constructions shown.

It will be appreciated, however, from the foregoing that the various magnetic configurations may be used with diiferent results depending upon the particular structures employed. In all instances, however, the movable means function as the conductive link and consequently need only be of sufiicient mass to accommodate the required current carrying capacity. It will also be noted that the unit requires no screws or bolts, springs or wearing parts which may be subject to deterioration. Furthermore, a minimum number of parts are used, and the overall dimensions and weight may be held to a minimum.

What is claimed is:

1. -An electric relay comprising: an insulating disc, movable means supported by said disc and mechanically essentially free to move on the supporting surface of said disc both in translation and in rotation, said movable means including magnetic material and electrically conductive material; normally magnetized means with a given attractive force, said movable means being positioned so as to be biased towards said normally magnetized means; first conductive stop means mounted on said disc and located to limit movement of said movable means towards said normally magnetized means, said first conductive stop means thereby defining a first position of said movable means; normally deenergized electromagnetic means positioned so as to exert upon energization an opposing force of greater magnitude than said given force upon said movable means; and, second conductive stop means mounted on said disc and located to limit movement of said movable means towards said electromagnetic means, whereby said second conductive stop means defines the second position of said movable means.

2. An electric relay, according to claim 1, in which said movable means comprises: an elongated member formed of magnetic material; and, resilient conductive members coupled respectively thereto on each side of said elongated member, said conductive members being positioned to engage said first and second conductive stop means in a wiping action, all said members being disposed on said disc surface and mechanically essentially free to move thereon both translationally and I0 tationally in unison.

3. An electric relay, according to claim 1, in which said first conductive stop means comprises a first pair of spaced contact members, and in which said second conductive stop means comprises a second pair of spaced contact members, and in which said movable means is adapted to form part of an electric circuit bridging said first pair of spaced contact members when disposed in said first position and is adapted to form part of an electric circuit bridging said second pair of spaced contact members when disposed in said second position, in which said electromagnetic means includes a first pair of pole pieces disposed one on each side of said movable means, and in which said normally magnetized means comprises a second pair of pole pieces disposed one on each side of said movable means, said first and second pole pieces being so positioned with respect to each other as to effect center pivotal movement of said movable means in passing between said first position and said second position, the two pole pieces in one of said pairs being encircled in insulated relationship with conductive material 'forming one of said pairs of spaced contact members.

4. An electric relay, according to claim 3, in which said electromagnetic pole pieces are encircled in insulated relationship with conductive material forming said first pair of spaced contact members.

5. An electric relay, according to claim 4, in which said conductive material is formed as a resilient conductive member encircling each of said electromagnetic pole pieces.

6. An electric relay comprising: a plurality of movable members in insulated spaced relationship, each of said members including magnetic material and electrically conductive material; permanent magnet means with ,a given attractive force, said movable members being positioned so as to be biased, respectively, towards said permanent magnet means; a plurality of spaced first conductive stop members located so as to, respectively, limit movement of said movable members towards said permanent magnet means, said first conductive stop members thereby defining a first position of each of said movable members; electromagnetic means positioned so as to upon energization exert an opposing force of greater magnitude than said given force upon said movable members; and, second conductive stop members located so as to, respectively, limit movement of said movable members towards said electromagnetic means, whereby said second conductive stop means define the second po- I sition of said movable members, said permanent magnet means comprising insulated stacked pairs of permanent magnets, each pair of permanent magnets being positioned such as to bias, respectively, one said movable member.

7. An electric relay, according to claim 6, in which said each permanent magnet is U-shaped with the legs thereof defining opposite poles directed towards a. movable member, and in which each pair of permanent magnets are in diametrically opposed relationship on either side of a movable member.

8. An electric relay, according to claim 3, in which said normally magnetized pole pieces are encircled in insulated relationship with conductive material forming said second pair of spaced contact members.

9. An electric relay, according to claim 8, in which said conductive material is formed as a resilient conductive member encircling each of said normally magnetized pole pieces.

10. An electric relay, according to claim 3, in which said electromagnetic and normally magnetized pole pieces are encircled in insulated relationship with conductive material forming said first and second pairs of spaced contact members respectively.

11. An electric relay, according to claim 10, in which said conductive material 'is formed as a resilient conductive member encircling each of said pole pieces.

12. An electric relay, according to claim 1, in which said first conductive stop means comprises a first pair of spaced contact members, and in which said second con ductive stop means comprises a second pair of spaced contact members, and in which said movable means is adapted to form part of an electric circuit bridging said first pair of spaced contact members when disposed in said first position and is adapted to form part of an electric'circuit bridging said second pair of spaced contact members when disposed in said second position, in which said electromagnetic means includes a first pair of pole pieces disposed one on each side of said movable means,

and in which said normally magnetized means comprises 'a second pair of pole pieces disposed one on each side of said movable means, said first and second pole pieces being so positioned with respect to each other as to effect center pivotal movement of said movable means in passing between said first position and said second position, and being spaced apart from respective conductive stop members.

13. An electric relay comprising: a plurality of stacked insulating discs, a like plurality of movable members in insualted spaced relationship, each of said members being supported by a respective one of said discs, being mechanically essentially free to move on the supporting surface of its respective disc both in translation and rotation, and including magnetic material and electrically conductive material; normally magnetized means with a given attractive force, said movable members being positioned so as to be biased, respectively, towards said normally magnetized means; a pair of spaced first conducitive stop members mounted on each of said discs and located so as to, respectively, limit movement of said movable members towards said normally magnetized means, said first conductive stop members thereby defining a first position of each of said movable members;

normally deenergized electromagnetic means positioned so as to upon energization exert an opposing force of greater magnitude than said given force upon said movable members; and, a second pair of conductive stop .rnernbers mounted on each of said discs and located so as to, respectively, limit movement of said movable members towards said electromagnetic means, whereby said second conductive stop means define the second position of said movable members.

14. An electric relay according to claim 1, provided with a pair of spaced posts mounted on said insulating disc and located on each side of said movable means so as additionally to restrain, as distinguished from pivoting, said movable means in its said first and second positions respectively, particularly when said relay is subjected to unusual-high Gforces. 3 15. An electric relay according to claim 12, wherein said conductive stop members are located at the edge of said insulating disc.

16. For use in an electric relay having an armature that includes magnetic material and electrically conductive material movable in unison, a structure serving simultaneously as a means for magnetically attracting said armature and as an electrically conductive stop means to electrically engage and mechanically limit movement of said armature, said structure comprising a magnetic pole piece encircled in insulated relationship with conductive material. I v

17. A magnetic pole piece structure according to claim 16 in which said pole piece encircling conductive material is formed as a resilient conductive member.

18. An armature structure for an electric relay of the type that is provided with an insulated disc for supporting said armature and afiording it essentially free mechanical motion in both translation and rotation on the supporting surface of said disc, spaced first and second conductive stop means mounted on said disc for limiting motion of said armature, and alternately efiective first and second magnetic means for attracting said armature to engage said first and second conductive stop means respectively, said armature structure comprising an elongated member formed of magnetic material, and resilient conductive members coupled respectively thereto on each side of said elongated member, said conductive members adapted to engage said first and second conductive stop means in a wiping action.

19. An armature structure according to claim 18 wherein said elongated magnetic member has a substantially straight line extension, wherein the resilient con ductive members are substantially coextensive with said magnetic member, are coupled generally centrally thereto, and are bowed so as slightly to deviate from strictly straight line extension and so as to diverge from said magnetic member as they approach the end portions thereof, thereby to provide said wiping action.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,769,279 True July 1, 1930 2,437,726 Davis Mar. 10, 1948 2,777,922 Horman Jan. 15, 1957 2,824,189 Zimmer Feb. 18, 1958 

